Self-Publisher Interview with Clarence Carter
1. What can you tell me about your experience as a writer?
My experience as a writer is a strange combination of overwhelming bouts of rejection and moments of great success. David Barr Kirtley once said, "Wanting to be a writer and not wanting to be rejected is like wanting to be a boxer and not wanting to get punched."
2. What made you decide to write a book?
Once, while in middle school, a teacher convinced me to read a book (through the kicking and screaming) called Homecoming by Cynthia Voigt. While reading it, I decided that I could write a book, which came as no surprise to said teacher.
3. What circumstances brought you to the decision to self-publish your book?
I didn't understand the business in the beginning and knew very little of agents and publishing houses. Now, I'm glad that I have more control of the outcome.
4. What has your experience as a self-publisher been like?
At times frustratingly difficult, but worthwhile as a whole. It is a lot of work and I don't want to give any opposing sentiments.
5. How do you respond to the negative stigma attached to self-publishing and self-published books?
It's like anything else, some of them are going to be bad, some are going to be good. There are unfortunately a lot of great writers who get overlooked because of self-publishing and we need to break the stigma.
6. What is one very important lesson you have learned as a self-publisher so far?
Anything is possible if you're driven.
7. What do you know now about self-publishing that you wish you knew at the beginning?
How difficult it would be to market.
8. A lot of authors of self-published books have reservations about promoting and marketing their book. Some even feel that it is a form of vanity or self-importance. What is your opinion about this?
If an author feels that way about promoting, let them. Results may vary.
9. How do you promote your books and what form of book promotion has worked the best for you?
As of lately I've taken a rather unique approach to promotion. I have been studying the craft of SFX Makeup and using that as a staple of my strategy. I think my audience is warming up to it.
10. What are some other important things you have learned as a self-publisher?
Nobody is going to roll out the welcome mat for you. Nobody is going to give you permission to do it. It's up to you.
11. Do you feel that self-publishing is a viable choice for other authors?
Absolutely, but it is your responsibility to put out a GOOD product, which means you can't cut corners. Some authors do that and it can leave readers with a bad taste in their mouths about self-published books as a whole.
12. How do you feel that self-publishing their books has helped many unknown authors finally get the recognition their books deserve?
Without self-publishing, there would be a lot of great authors still stuck in the query trenches or up to their necks in rejection.
ABOUT CLARENCE:
Award winning author Clarence Carter is best known for his books A Girl Named Mishka, The Rejected Ones and Shadows & Keyholes. He has also been featured in several anthologies, magazines and podcasts. Born and raised in Maine, Carter has long appreciated its beautiful landscape and has drawn inspiration from its ebb and flow. He draws inspiration from his adventures and the people he meets, creating stories that are often equal parts compelling and terrifying.
Come visit him at www.clarencecarterauthor.com